A celebration of history

 

Opening  honors (Clerk office image)

A light breeze and comfortable temperatures blessed the 200^th birthday party for Goochland’s iconic courthouse on September 19.

Clerk of the Goochland Circuit Court, The Hon. Amanda Adams, welcomed all to the courthouse green for the event, the kickoff for the county’s 300^th anniversary celebration, which will begin next year and conclude in 2028.

The Hon. Amanda Adams welcome.

The new interactive walking trail around the Courthouse Green uses QR codes to unlock videos to help visitors discover the people, places, and stories that shaped Goochland.

A joint Goochland Sheriff’s Office/ Fire-Rescue honor guard presented the colors. The high school chorus sang the Star-Spangled Banner and Trail Life Troop: VA2019 lead the Pledge of Allegiance, a traditional opening to civic events on the green. The invocation was offered by the Rev. Emily Dunevant and benediction by the Rev. Adlai Allen.

The festive atmosphere harkened back to days when the green was a community gathering place. People visited booths set up around the green by local organizations. Important speeches were punctuated by the happy chatter of young children frolicking. Not that long ago, local children played on the green and walked along the top of its brick wall.

Robin Lind, President of the Goochland Historical Society, welcomed many dignitaries including Adams, former county sheriff James L. Agnew; current sheriff Steven Creasey; the Hon. Dale Agnew, former clerk of court; current District Court Judge Claiborne H. Stokes, Jr; former District court Judge Edward Carpenter; Juvenile and Domestic Court Judge Deborah Tinsley; the Hon. Teresa Dobbins, Powhatan Circuit Court clerk; current and former county supervisors;  and Pam Johnson former Goochland Treasurer and Chair of the Electoral Board.

Robin Lind, President of the Goochland Historical Society

Lind put the time that ground was broken for the courthouse into historical perspective.

By September of 1826 America was a sovereign nation. Though many of its citizens were born well after independence from Great Britain was declared in 1776 and secured by years of war, they cherished the rule of law. Eleven weeks earlier, both Goochland native son Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, who birthed our nation, died on July 4, 1776.

Setting the cornerstone of the courthouse, a building dedicated to justice, was “a physical manifestation of dedication to an ideal, of which we have striven to keep in place every day,” said Lind of the rule of law. This was not Goochland’s first courthouse. The exact location of its predecessors remains elusive.

Former Goochland County Attorney, Darvin Satterwhite, who practiced law in the county for decades, began his remarks with a quote from comedian the late George Carlin, who once quipped that posting the Ten Commandments in a courthouse, which he contended were frequented by lawyers, judges, and politicians would create a hostile work environment.

Darvin Satterwhite

Satterwhite contended that Carlin might have changed his opinion if he knew about Goochland Courthouse.

“How could he not be impressed by its rich history.” In 1826 John Quincy Adams was president, The Last of the Mohicans was published. Dabney Cosby, the architect for the courthouse, worked with noted builder Valentine Parrish. Cosby had worked for Jefferson on buildings at the University of Virginia. As a result, he was very fond of the Roman Revival style reflected in the beautiful, majestic columns on the front of the courthouse. The brick wall around green was built in 1840 to deal with complaints by jurors about the sounds of cows mooing outside as they deliberated. The old clerk’s office was built in 1847. What is now known as The James Klopton Knibb building in 1906.

The exterior of the courthouse remained unchanged until 1954 when renovations were made to expand and renovate judge’s chambers by local builder S. Stuart Haden. The public safety and district court additions came in 1983. The Civil War monument was placed on the green in 1918 to be joined in 1998 by the Veterans’ Monument, erected by American Legion Post 215 as a tribute to the sacrifice of all American Veterans for all the wars in which we’ve been involved.

“A courthouse is made of more than brick and mortar. It’s made of the men and women who serve in the facilities to provide the kind of civic services that make not just society but a place where people can live and thrive,” he said.

Satterwhite reflected on the people he encountered during his legal career. “I worked with and against some fine attorneys but there was one that epitomizes the integrity and professionalism of what a true attorney should be. As a young lawyer I needed guidance and advice. Mr. Knibb was always there to show you the way. Although he was legally blind, he practiced law with vigor and zeal that few attorneys can match. Above all, he was a kind man, he cared for and loved people. For so many years he walked through the doors of this courthouse serving the people of Goochland as their Commonwealth’s Attorney. He was the perfect picture of a southern gentleman and model of someone who we should all strive to be.

Satterwhite singled out two of the justices that he appeared before, F. Ward Harkrader, Jr. and Timothy K. Sanner, as some of the finest judges in the Commonwealth “What a blessing they have been to the citizens and attorneys. We also need to be grateful for the circuit court clerks who have faithfully served the citizens, Louis “Doc” Parrish, Lee Turner, Dale Agnew, and Amanda Adams.”

Satterwhite listed current and past judges and clerks of General District and Juvenile and Domestic Relations courts, and Commonwealth’s Attorneys.  He also commended the elected officials who guided Goochland to preserve a special bend of rural character. Many of these dedicated leaders have passed on leaving their stamp on the county.

“We couldn’t enjoy the peace and safety we have in this county without the dedicated service of our sheriffs.”

Satterwhite said that those people, and many more, are the bricks that make up Goochland Courthouse, and we should be grateful for the blessing of their dedicated service.

Reenactor Gerald Notare gave a stirring rendition of Patrick Henry’s “Give me liberty” speech.

"Patrick Henry" (Clerk Office image)

Suzanne Taylor, a teacher at Randolph Elementary School, explained how an innovative “time travel” curriculum brings Goochland history alive for fourth graders. She explained that Goochland was named for royal governor William Gooch, who never set foot in the county. The county was split off from Henrico in 1727 to accommodate westward growth.

Mining for coal, gold, and currently quartz has long been a staple of Goochland’s economy. The Kanawha canal, which paralleled the James River, was used for transportation eventually to be replaced by the railroad, whose route follows the canal towpath.

An exhibit showcased Time Travel materials.

Bringing Goochland History alive for fourth graders

A commemorative brick to mark the occasion was dedicated.

(ltr) "Patrick Henry", Amanda Adams, Sheriff Steven Creasey, District Court Clerk Jen Liptak, District Court Judge Claiborne H. Stokes, Jr., District 5 Supervisor Jonathan Lyle, District 3 Supervisor Tom Winfree, Commonwealth's Attorney John Lumpkins, Jr., District 1 Supervisor Jonathan Christy (Clerk Office Image)

Former Sheriff James L. Agnew shared sanitized versions of some sensational cases he dealt with during his tenure in office. “Goochland juries do the right thing,” he said of the outcomes of those trials.

Agnew believes that the Goochland Courthouse Green is one of, if not the most, beautiful in the Commonwealth and the nation.

Former Sheriff James L. Agnew

Agnew categorized people who appear at the courthouse: those who make mistakes; those who are unable to reform their bad habits; and those who are truly evil.

“People come here, “said Agnew gesturing to the Courthouse, “for chancery cases, divorce cases, land disputes, and civil suits of more than $10,000. They come here to get their problems redressed.”

He recalled a dispute between a man and the bank that held his mortgage, which resulted in the Sheriff’s office being ordered to evict him and the unhappy homeowner holding a demonstration with a brass band.

“There are evil, nasty, and predatory people out there and we need to deal with them,” said Agnew.

Perhaps the most famous murder case in Goochland happened in 1917 and involved brothers that began with a civil suit and ended when pieces of one brother’s body were unearthed by a local dog. The surviving brother was sentenced to prison. Fourteen years later, the majority of jurors that convicted him asked the governor to pardon him.

The building itself is beautiful, but it has some issues that cannot be fixed. In the next few years, it will be replaced and this will be used for ceremonial purposes, said Agnew. It is very hard to maintain security for the kind of people who appear in court here. “This building is not suitable for modern trials.”

“This place is rich in history, and we are lucky to have it,” said Agnew.

Adams thanked Lind for being the day’s master of ceremonies, “and reminding us of everything that happened in 1826.” She also thanked partners including American Legion Post 215; Daughters of the American Revolution: Goochland County, Parks and Rec, General Services; Grace Church; Goochland Fire-Rescue; the Sheriff’s Office; the school division including the high school chorus, culinary arts department for the wonderful event themed cookies, and elementary schools; Goochland Historical Society; Goochland’s DeWitt Clinton Masonic Lodge; Goochland Rotary Club; the Library of Virginia; and Goochland 250.

Celebratory cookies (Clerk Office image)

She singled out for, special thanks, her office; Jessica Kronberg and Paul Drumwright of county staff; Angelia Miller and Tom Cocke of Parks & Rec.; and James Richmond for the display in the old clerk’s office.

It was a glorious day to honor our courthouse and its role in county history. Thank you, Madame Clerk, for making it a day to remember and carrying on the legacy of your predecessors!

 

Visit the Goochland County Clerk of Circuit Court Facebook page for many more images.

 

 

 

 

 

Attracting visitors

 

The "men's farm" on Rt. 6 would make a great state park

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Tourism is touted as one of the best forms of economic development. People come, enjoy the local sights, spend money, and go home to educate their children and grow old elsewhere.

Visitor spending for Goochland County reached $62.4 million in 2025, a 5.4 percent increase over 2024. According to a recent press release from the county, (https://www.goochlandva.us/m/newsflash/home/detail/1458) tourism supported 463 jobs in Goochland and generated $2.5 million in local tax revenue. (Go to http://www.exploregoochland.com/ to see all that the county has to offer.)

On September 19 farm tours (https://exploregoochland.com/192/2026-Goochland-County-Farm-Tours) provide a glimpse into local agriculture.

Our potent potable—wine, whiskey, and cider—establishments bring visitors to the county. The annual Deep Run Horse Show attracts equestrians from all over the country, as do Goochland Day, the Fall Festival, and our Fourth of July fireworks.

Event venues are another tourism-based local industry.

“Get Hitched in Goochland” (https://www.exploregoochland.com/155/Get-Hitched-in-Goochland) brings lovers to unique local settings that range from a barn to a castle and everything in between for their special day. This also gives their guests a look at Goochland.

The exquisite grounds of Rassawek Vineyard, https://rassawek.com/  offer a unique setting for events and festivals and overnight lodging in antique train cars.  

Dover Hall https://www.doverhall.com/blog, The Estate at River Run https://www.theestateatriverrun.com/ and Virginia Barn Weddings at the Adams International School are other choices. These venues host other kinds of gatherings and events that bring visitors to the county.

A proposed polo facility could further enhance Goochland’s equestrian tradition.

The 2027 legislative agenda, the county’s “wish list” for help from the state, included a request by the Economic Development Authority to transfer ownership of closed Department of Corrections property, “men’s farm”, and the vacant Reynolds Community college campus, to the county along with transition funding.

The state farm property, a good part of which is in flood plain, is an ideal site for a state park along the James River. It has buildings of historical significance, which the state has left to molder, which could be restored and repurposed for community use. This might also be a suitable location for a shooting range.

The Reynolds Community College property, 90 acres of prime real estate in the center of Courthouse Village, which has been mostly empty since before Covid, could soon become a pharmaceutical manufacturing training center to complement the Eli Lilly facility coming to West Creek.

Tourism helps landowners use their property to generate revenue and resist the siren song of developers to keep 85 percent of Goochland rural.

Turn, turn, turn

 

Green T intersection (VDOT image)

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Tract, the entity that filed a conditional use application to build a data center campus on more than 800 acres roughly between Hockett Road and West Creek in the county’s east end, held a second community meeting on September 14 to explain and discuss changes made to the initial CUP application following the first meeting held in July.

Go to https://www.youtube.com/live/YQ_zk0LHj_Y to view a recording of the meeting. Also, see https://www.tuckahoetechparkinfo.com/facts for updated details on the proposal.

Unlike the first meeting, which seemed dismissive of citizen comments, on September 14 the Tract representative, Erin Fosdick, tried to address and respond to questions and concerns. Opponents will only be satisfied if the proposal is withdrawn.

Revisions to the CUP application including more robust and binding requirements for setbacks, sound mitigation, water use, and generator testing for end users, which could be several entities that have not yet been identified, were shared. The focus was on the operational phase of data centers, years in the future.

The initial CUP pre-application—for the record any landowner in Goochland is entitled to file a pre-application to request land use changes, with no guarantee it will be approved—showed the main access point to the proposed data center campus on the north side of Rt. 6, just east of its intersection with Hockett Road. They could not have chosen a more treacherous location.

The revised CUP application moved the main access point to Hockett Road, a couple of miles north of Rt.6 for all construction and operational traffic. Something called a "green " intersection, allegedly approved by the geniuses in the VDOT—the state agency whose motto is “Oops!”—bunker somewhere under Richmond, will improve safety and traffic flow. This right in, right out configuration could require fully loaded dump and logging trucks to make U turns, should they need to go east. Fosdick said that traffic from the site would be required to travel south only, with no mechanism for enforcement.

There is no mention of any improvement to the narrow, winding section of Hockett Road to accommodate the multitude of heavy equipment needed to build the proposed data center campus. Construction would begin at 7 a.m. just in time for big trucks to mix with commuter traffic. Who will pay for the pavement damage caused by all that heavy truck traffic on Hockett Road? Fosdick seemed to indicate that there could be further discussion on this matter but did confirm that all road improvements must be complete before any data center construction starts.

Regardless of whether the data center campus is approved, at some point those 870 acres will be developed. Currently the property is heavily wooded. It seems likely that the justification for land use tax status on some of its parcels is that they are in forestal use, trees grown for commercial purposes.

Where will all those trees go after they are felled? How will the land be cleared?  Fosdick touted the low floor area ratio (FAR), the percentage of land to be covered by buildings, but the actual acreage expected to be clear cut is still quite vague.  The application includes open space—areas with no buildings—percentages but does not specify if that means trees removed.

The Tract application includes sound abatement measures for data center and generator operations, Fosdick contended that those same noise standards would apply to construction activity. There was no mention of enforcement of sound mitigation during construction. Are there quiet chainsaws and bull dozers?

Rather than dump heavy construction vehicles into Hockett Road traffic for the next several years, Tract should build a new, straighter, wider and safer roadway along its frontage as a show of good faith.

 

 

Never forget

 

Evert year on September 11, Goochland Fire-Rescue sponsors events commemorating the terrorist attacks on American soil that forever changed the world.

A morning service geared to the sacrifices made by those in public safety—law enforcement, firefighters, Emergency Medical responders, animal protection—was held at Courthouse Company 5, in the shadow of Old Glory deployed from its ladder truck.

In the evening, a more general observance took place at Manakin Company 1, home to Goochland’s 911 memorial, which contains steel from the Twin Towers in New York. It included a presentation about the Freedom Flag (https://www.freedomflagfoundation.org/) that honors all who died at Ground Zero, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

During the morning session, the names of all NYFD firefighters, EMS personnel, and law enforcement officers who were killed on that horrific day were read to make sure they are never forgotten.  Some of the readers had not yet been born on 911. Vignettes about heroes who died helping others, their dedication to service, and how they ran toward danger were shared. Names of those who perished during the past year from 911 related illnesses that continue to kill, were also read.

Following fire service tradition, a bell was rung to honor the fallen.

National media was filled with stories about the fallen and images of their still grieving families. We must never forget any of the people who were killed during the 911 attacks and make sure that the millions of young people who have been born in the last 25 years know their stories.

Those who choose public safety careers are unique individuals. They train hard to learn how to run toward emergencies, bring order out of chaos, and give aid to those impacted with grace. They never know what their next shift will bring and shrug “what if?” to the back of their minds. Their families send them off, proud of their accomplishments and dedication to service, with prayers for their safe return.

The morning event concluded with the placement by members of Goochland American Legion Post 215 of a memorial wreath at the base of the Company 5 flagpole to honor the heroes of 911 near the marker honoring Michael “Tink” Sims, the was the only Goochland Fire-Rescue volunteer to die in the line of service.

Angels walk among us. They travel in Sheriff’s cars, ambulances, and fire trucks. They give us their best on our worst days and deserve our prayers for their safety.

Learn what Goochland is all about

 

An exquisite finish to the GLE dinner with Supervisors prepared by the GHS Culinary Arts Students

Goochland Leadership Enterprise, GLE, began educating citizens about the county 30 years ago. In the intervening decades, hundreds of Goochlanders have participated in the program gaining deep insight about the workings of local government, and how to get involved with organizations that build and enrich the community. Some graduates have gone on to hold elected and appointed offices, many have and do fill leadership roles in community organizations, while others are informed citizens.

Interacting with people from all walks of life and all parts of the county that they might not otherwise encounter gives GLE participants perspective on Goochland as a whole, not just their individual “flight paths”. It also dispels incorrect preconceived notions.

Matthew Wenzel, who recently succeeded Pete Williams as GLE Planning Committee Chair, first learned about GLE after moving here in 2017, but his travel schedule made participation difficult at that time. Early encounters with “official” Goochland, which Wenzel and his wife found welcoming compared to Henrico, made him want to learn more about the place he now called home.

He signed up for the 23^rd class, which formed as the world crawled out of the pandemic, with neighbors, who carpooled to classes and had lively discussions about the sessions on the way home.

After completing GLE, Wenzel and fellow class members met with Williams to discuss ways to enhance the program. According to Wenzel, Williams’ superpower is his ability to listen and implement constructive feedback. This led to Wenzel’s increased involvement in planning GLE sessions and succeeding Williams.

The next class, the 28^th, is forming and kicks off on October 14 with orientation, a pictorial tour of the county, and its history.  The program consists of twelve classes, held on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at various locations around the county. GLE graduates, some relative newcomers, others lifelong residents, lead and organize sessions.

Topics include Goochland history; fire-rescue; Constitutional Officers; education; agriculture and natural resources; ways to get involved with local organizations; dinner with the Board of Supervisors catered by the Goochland High School Culinary Arts Department; meeting with our delegation to the state legislature in Richmond; and a graduation dinner. It’s not too late to join.

Go to https://goochland.ext.vt.edu/get-involved.html for the brochure and application. Follow Goochland Leadership Enterprise on Facebook.

 

Enhancing community

 

At the start of their evening meeting on September 1, Goochland supervisors recognized two extraordinary men for their contributions to the community.

 

Vernon Fleming

Vern Fleming (l) Board Chair Jonathan Christy (r)

Each year, a Goochland resident is honored with inclusion on the Parks and Recreation Wall of Fame. This award recognizes a Goochland resident with longstanding humanitarian commitment to addressing community needs. It brings to light community service as an important element of the humanitarian mission, and highlights individuals whose actions are examples of social responsiveness on behalf of Goochland County. The award recipient must have demonstrated broad-based commitment to community service as reflected in a variety of programs and initiatives which are responsive to community and social needs.

Vern Fleming, whose quiet presence and hard work has influenced excellence in many community organizations in Goochland and regionally, is the 2026 inductee.

After retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army, Fleming used his more than 30 years of professional leadership experience in roles that include President of the Board of Directors of Goochland Cares; President of the Goochland Rotary Club; President of the Board of Directors of the Louisa Historical Society; interim member of the Goochland School Board; past president of the Board of Directors of the Shady Grove Rosenwald School in Gum Spring;  and secretary of the Goochland Recreation Center where he was instrumental in the installation of a historical marker.

Fleming spearheaded vital relief initiatives during the Covid 19 pandemic. He has championed local youth through the YMCA’s Bright Beginnings Program; funding scholarships and organizing Christmas Mother gifts and supplies. His exemplary hands-on commitment to volunteerism, deep compassion, and service above self, have fostered a stronger, more resilient, and united community. In short, if something good is happening in Goochland, Vern Fleming helped make it happen.

 

Fire Marshal Doug Davies

Doug Davies (l) Jonathan Christy (r)

Douglas H. Davies, who retired as Goochland Fire Marshal, earlier this year, was honored for his achievements in that role.

His commitment to public safety began in 1976, when as a 15-year-old, he joined the Lakeside Volunteer Rescue Squad where he held many leadership roles and earned life-member status.

Davies pursued careers in both the fire service and law enforcement. He served with both the Henrico and Richmond Sheriff’s Offices, including assignment to the FBI fugitive task force. He joined the Henrico Division of Fire in 2002, rising to assistant fire marshal.

 In 2012, Davies was hired as Goochland Fire Marshal, where he rebuilt the office, which had been vacant for several years due to budget constraints, strengthening relationships with county departments, local businesses, and citizens. As Fire Marshal, Davies administered the Virginia statewide fire code through education, engineering, and enforcement.

As Fire Marshal Davies conducted more than 500 annual fire inspections, and development review process to ensure compliance with fire codes.

He conducted more than 800 fire investigations, including those with fatalities, using advanced investigative science and best practices.

Davies created and enhanced fire safety programs for adults, seniors and children, including the fourth-grade fire-safety curriculum in all county schools, scenarios, and barn fire programs. He managed the county smoke detector program and secured a children’s safety trailer for educational programs.

He managed the Knox box program, which enables first responders to access secure location during emergencies without waiting for a keyholder to arrive. As fire marshal Davies oversaw the county’s dry hydrants, which enable fire engines to draw water from ponds and streams.

David held the rank of chief officer in Goochland Fire-Rescue and is a nationally registered paramedic and maintains respected professional affiliations at both the state and federal level.

He was commended by the supervisors for having selflessly served Goochland County for 14 years as Fire Marshal, modeling servant leadership and contributing significantly to community safety.

Best wishes in your next chapter Doug!

 

 

Chatting with our Delegates

 

Delegates Tom  Garrett and May Nivar listen to Goochland officials

Virginia is Dillon’s Rule state, which means that localities like Goochland have only those powers specifically given to them by the General Assembly. Each of the 100 members of the House of Delegates represents about 85,000 people; the 40 state senators about 215,000. As Goochland’s population is approximately 29,000, we share representatives with other jurisdictions.

District boundaries are revised after each decennial U S census, the most recent in 2020. Currently, Goochland is represented in the House of Delegates by Democrat May Nivar, whose 57^th District includes parts of eastern Goochland and western Henrico; and Republican Tom Garrett, whose 56^th District includes most of Goochland and Appomattox, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Cumberland, and part of Prince Edward County.

Go to https://vga.virginia.gov/ to learn more about the General Assembly.

Each year, Goochland prepares a legislative agenda, a list of issues of concern to the county that could be negatively impacted by General Assembly actions and meets with our deletion to share insights into these matters. The 2027 Goochland Legislative Agenda is included in the September 1, 3 p.m. agenda packet available on the county website https://www.goochlandva.us/ under the “watch county meetings tab”.

On September 1, Nivar and Garrett—State Senator Luther Cifers, whose 10^th District includes Goochland, was unable to attend—met with the board of supervisors, members of the school board, Economic Development Authority, and Constructional Officers Amanda Adams Clerk of the Court and Commonwealth’s Attorney John Lumpkins, Jr. The 90-minute session was a good conversation among those who represent Goochland at various levels. Highlights follow.

The legislative agenda is broken into broad themes that include: protect and preserve local governing authority over land use, revenue collection; oppose unfunded mandates, and support Second Amendment rights; support measures to mitigate the effect of state facilities and exempt property on the local tax base and provide a detailed plan regarding removal and/or adaptive reuse of Department of Corrections installations; fully support transfer of the Reynolds Community College property in Courthouse Village to the exclusive ownership of the county for workforce education including advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing training; and support of fair and sustainable funding formulas that do not place an undue burden on localities.

Garrett lauded Goochland for holding the session, which helps him understand how specific legislation either helps or harms the county. He believes that decisions directly impacting communities should be made locally, not “by people who will never drive through your county.”  He said the best he can do is fight for these decisions to be made close to home, not by the State Corporation Commission, because each locality has different needs.

Garrett cited a bill that would have determined siting of large-scale solar facilities and accompanying battery storage at the state level as an example. He also said that “very clear lines” need to be drawn around the use of Flock cameras to protect individual freedoms.

 State legislators wade through thousands of bills during annual sessions that vary between 45 and 60 days. Garrett contended that Goochland is blessed to have GA representation on both sides of the aisle.

Nivar concurred that learning firsthand about issues that concern Goochland helps her evaluate bills during a session and encouraged Goochland to keep her office informed about county concerns with pending legislation. She contended that both sides of the aisle agree on many topics but have different ideas on how to achieve specific goals. Nivar contended that Virginia’s energy future is one of the most important issues currently facing the state. She has great appreciation for the work of the State Corporation Commission in the energy sphere but did not go into detail. Despite common themes, Nivar acknowledged that “one size does not fit all.”

County Administrator Dr. Jeremy Raley welcomed the delegates and gave a brief history of the Central High School Educational and Cultural Center, which was built as an African American high school before integration, served as the county middle school and was renovated for its current function as a vital county facility.

Raley echoed comments made by both Garrett and Nivar that decisions relating to Goochland are best made locally, not in Richmond.

Of major concern is pending legislation to mandate collective bargaining for government employees and the significant fiscal impact that could have locally, especially on the school budget. Pushback against the Valley Link transmission line, is another hot topic.

Jonathan Lyle, District 5 wanted to know if sales tax collected by the state for e commerce, and transient occupancy tax for Air BnBs goes to the locality that generates it. Goochland has many homes with out of county zip codes, homes in Mosaic, for instance have Richmond addresses. Lyle wants assurance that the Virginia Department of Taxation does indeed have a method to determine the exact locality in which these sales taxes are generated and remit them accordingly. “If we’re going to tax people, let’s make sure that the people who pay the tax get the benefit,” said Lyle.

He too expressed concerns about the collective bargaining issue. While collective bargaining might make sense in larger localities in Northern Virginia, it does not here. “Teachers like teaching in Goochland. I absolutely want to compensate our teachers well.” He prefers making this a local option, not a state mandate.

Lyle said that counties do not have the power to require property sellers to disclose things like the ad valorem tax levied on property in the Tuckahoe Creek Service District or details about nearby properties to enable buyers to make informed decisions before signing on the dotted line. He would like to see that removed.

Garrett opposes an initiative to allow localities to add one cent to their sales tax rate to build schools because not everyone is able to shop where they live. Indeed, many Goochlanders who shop in Short Pump or Zion Crossroads help other localities build schools.

Garret said that the money Chesterfield County would spend on collective bargaining would fund more than 300 teachers. He said that Goochland has done things right and should not be punished with another unfunded mandate. He contended that the GA understands just how onerous collective bargaining for public employees is because it carved out an exclusion for its own staff from the measure.

Nivar agreed that Goochland and Henrico are doing the right things for their employees, but not all localities are. She believes that public employees should have a seat at the table to have the ability to negotiate what fair pay is and have their voices heard. She supports the collective bargaining mandate and noted that the one percent extra sales tax levy is a local choice.

Goochland School Superintendent Dr. Andy Armstrong thanked Garrett and Nivar for being engaged with Goochland Schools. He said that school divisions where teachers are not paid well work in mold infested schools need collective bargaining; Goochland does not. Collective bargaining would cost Goochland about $1million in administrative costs.

The School Division would prefer the state move to a student-weighted funding formula for public schools that prioritizes funding based on student needs and recognizes unique characteristics of local, especially rural communities. Armstrong contended that each of Virginia’s 131 school divisions has a unique character and giving them more flexibility will enable them to better serve the unique needs of their students.

The dreaded local composite index (LCI) was a thread that wove through the discussion. LCI is the mechanism used to calculate the percentage of school and constitutional officer costs paid by the state government, essentially the ability of a county to pay its own way. It is a source of fiscal heartburn for most localities in the Commonwealth,

Goochland’s LCI is 80, which means that we pay 80 percent of local costs, the same as Alexandria and Fairfax. Henrico’s is 43. The LCI formula uses real property value, adjusted gross income, and retail sales to determine local ability to pay. It takes relatively few affluent taxpayers in a small population to make the adjusted gross income component meaningless.

“Decisions made in Richmond with all good intent are masked by the local composite index,” Raley observed.

Neil Spoonhower, District 2 expressed frustration that the LCI also impacts Contutional Offices leaving the county to make up the difference often after the local annual balanced budget is approved. “If the General Assembly decides that certain employees get a $1,000 bonus, Goochland has to come up with $800.”

Nivar, who sits on the counties, cities and towns subcommittee, said she was not familiar with the LCI and asked for help in understanding how it works for Goochland in a separate meeting.

Board Chair Jonathan Christy, District 1 expressed frustration that power hungry data centers in Northen Virginia can despoil rural land for Valley Link without any mandate requiring them to generate power closer to where it is needed.

Garrett said that the fight against Valley Link is a math game. Most GA reps, including powerful committee chairs, come from a few counties in northern Virginia, which benefit mightily from data center revenue.  “It doesn’t have to be there,” he said of the proposed power line route. He contended that 80 percent of the state is getting told what to do by the other 20 percent. “Land use decisions should be made at the local level. I have opinion on lots of stuff, but it’s not my job to tell localities what to do. This is not a republican or democrat issue it’s what important to the people I serve.”

Nivar said that the voices of Goochland residents who have made it clear that they don’t want Valley Link is important. She pointed out that ultimately the Valley Link decision will be made by the SCC.

The supervisors unanimously adopted their agenda later in the day. It is included in its entirety in the September 1 board packet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mark your calendars

 

Labor Day is late this year, but there’s lots going on locally in September.

·         September 10- Goochland Fire-Rescue partners with Inova for a blood drive in the Sports Complex, 1800 Sandy Hook Road (behind the admin building) in Courthouse Village from noon to 5 p.m. This is the entity that supplies us with whole blood used by our EMS providers in pre-hospital emergency care. Since Goochland implemented this procedure on September 17, 2025, 12 units of low titer O+ whole blood have been administered, most recently to patients experiencing gastrointestinal bleeding. To sign up for the blood drive go to https://tinyurl.com/GCFR0910.

·         September 11-Goochland will mark the 25^th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on New York, the Pentagon in Virginia, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania with two observances. The first, primarily for first responders, will be held at Courthouse Company 5 fire-rescue station beginning at 9:45 a.m. This ceremony will include reading the names of those in the public safety community who made the ultimate sacrifice on that horrible day. The second will be held at the Manakin Company 1 fire-rescue station at 180 Rover Road West in Manakin Sabot beginning at 7 p.m. This community observance will include a presentation about the Freedom Flag and the Goochland County 911 memorial built with steel from the twin towers. Both are open to the public.

·         September 12- The Goochland Ag Fair will be held at “the old GES field” (please give this nice outdoor gathering space a new name) from 10-3 to celebrate our agricultural heritage. The event will include a livestock show. This is a great way to find out what “rural” is all about.

·         September 19-A commemoration of the 200^th anniversary of Goochland Courthouse will be held on the Courthouse Green from 10-12. The free family friendly celebration of Goochland’s rich history will include reenactments, a historical play, a commemorative brick laying ceremony, an interactive walking trail on the green, and the opportunity to write notes for inclusion in a time capsule to be placed in the not yet built new courthouse to be opened in 100 years.

·         September 19-Goochland Farm tour- several local agricultural operations will be open for tours. Go to https://www.exploregoochland.com/192/2026-Goochland-County-Farm-Tours for details.

·         October 5-Fire-Rescue Show 5-9 p.m. behind Goochland High School. Free family-friendly event. There will be demonstrations, food trucks, an opportunity to meet the people who save lives and protect property in Goochland and fireworks!